Solemnity Of Saint Joseph, Husband Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

2 Samuel 7:4-5,12-14,16
Romans 4:13,16-18,22
Matthew 1:16,18-21, 24

SEEK THE INTEREST OF JESUS LIKE ST. JOSEPH

The Bible says that St. Joseph was a ‘just man’. A just man here means that he was one who was completely open to all that God wanted to do for him. He became holy by opening himself totally to God. Think of the kind of love with which he loved Mary. When he discovered that Mary had conceived a child in her womb, his decision is so striking.

The important words of the Bible are that he planned to do this “quietly” because he was “a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame” (Matthew 1:19) not until the angel of the Lord appeared to him to reverse the situation of his initial decision.

The role of husband grew more complicated as he had to go to Bethlehem with his pregnant wife to answer the call of the king who demanded a census. Travel in those days was not easy, and it exposed Mary to all sorts of dangers. And then, to make matters worse, she had to give birth in a stable.

What husband wouldn’t be filled with remorse for not being able to supply his wife with, at least, a decent place to have her child? But this “just man” once again rose to the occasion and did his best to the point that they welcome visitors from several places who came to see the new born King. And the same can be said when he had to whisk Mary and her baby off to Egypt to escape a threat on the child’s life.

The just man was simply, joyfully, wholeheartedly obedient to God—in marrying Mary, in presenting Jesus in the temple, in naming Jesus(that role is important of us all who call upon the name of Jesus every time), in shepherding the precious pair to Egypt, in bringing them to Nazareth, in the undetermined number of years of quiet faith and courage.

And missing the child when he stayed behind in Jerusalem at the age of 12 caused both Mary and Joseph to worry. But, evidently, he settled in Nazareth and worked at his carpentry trade, and was able to supply his family with a decent home and living.

As Jesus grew old enough to know the love that Joseph and Mary had for each other and for him, and to appreciate what his dad had taught him about life and carpentry, we can just imagine how close was the bond between them. It must have been a hard and sad day when Mary and Jesus had to face the death of their beloved husband and father.

We don’t know exactly when Joseph died, but we presume it was before Jesus began his public life. But because Jesus was also a carpenter, we can imagine Joseph teaching him the tricks of the trade.

Nestled in Nazareth and serving his community, St. Joseph must have had some happy days working alongside his foster son, moving about the village, and enjoying Mary’s cooking.

Indeed, Joseph was a loving husband and father, a man who worked with his hands, a man who watched over and cared for his family, and who had a deep faith in his God, even when things seemed to be working against him he remained obedient to God.

Joseph was indeed a man of faith like a new Abraham since he is the patron of the universal church and the guardian of the redeemer. When he wanted to give the believers in Rome an example of faith, Paul turned, almost naturally, to Abraham.

When God told him to uproot his family and go to a strange land, Abraham did it with speed. At God’s request, he was even willing to sacrifice his long awaited son. He made sure his family survived. (Joseph did the same) God responded to Abraham’s persevering faith by showering grace on him.

Even his faith was a work of grace. Grace is overflowing for those who believe, but it is a free gift from God that encompasses all God’s gifts. It is mercy and generosity and power to overcome. It is by grace that we receive redemption in Christ, and it is by grace that the Holy Spirit enters our hearts and empowers us to live a life dedicated and obedient to God. 

The Lord Jesus, once told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2Corinthians 12:9). The same is true for us today. We must be faithful and responsible Christians in every of our vocation We can draw near to God and pursue a journey of hope and victory through the promise which is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord. Yes, Jesus, the slain of God, the son of Abraham, the son of David, the Son of Joseph died to set us free.

PRAYER OF TRUST TO SAN GIUSEPPE

Here we are all for You, O Joseph, and You be everything for us.
You show us the way, you support us in every step, you lead us where Divine Providence wants us to arrive.
Whether the journey is long or short, whether it is smooth or difficult, whether the goal is seen or not seen through human sight, whether quickly or slowly,
us with you.
we are sure we will always do well. Amen.

Happy Solemnity and Best wishes of the day to you all.

Fr Joseph Osho